Asheville

Asheville is located less than an hour from Polk County. Because it is so unique, the Asheville/Hendersonville area has made its way into many “top areas to live” lists. People are attracted to the area by the abundant natural beauty, friendly atmosphere, year-round outdoor activities, rich history, and lively local arts and music scene. Visitors often choose to relocate to Asheville for the mild climate and high quality of life.

Asheville is outstanding, with a low crime rate, many employment opportunities, great educational opportunities with two universities and many colleges nearby, and diverse housing markets for rental, purchase and retirement.

Asheville has four distinct seasons, ranging from the mountains bursting with color in the spring to the outdoor ventures of summertime to the spectacular colors of fall, followed up by mildly snowy winters. This four season temperate climate with average snowfall of only 13 inches makes year-round living comfortable. Average elevation is 2,165 feet above sea level with surrounding mountain elevations of up to 6,685 feet. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Because of this broad range of elevations and corresponding climates and plant growth, the area is one of the most bio-diverse in the United States and the world, and boasts over 1500 species of plants.

Shopping and recreation is abundant in Asheville. Downtown Asheville and other small towns in and around the city, like Biltmore Village, provide a great shopping base, with diverse galleries and shops, many of which feature handmade items. Downtown Asheville has the requisite antique district, mostly clustered around Lexington and Biltmore Avenues, but other antique shops are sprinkled around inside and outside the city.

Outdoor recreation possibilities never end in Asheville, with four rivers, winter skiing, miles of off-road trails for mountain biking, hiking trails and fishing. The area's reputation continues to grow as an outdoor mecca, with an annual festival devoted to mountain sports and consistent ratings by publications as a top adventure town in the U.S.

Cultural Centers:

Diana Wortham Theatre in Pack Place- In the heart of the Pack Square Cultural District is the city's finest theatre, the Diana Wortham Theatre, an intimate 500 seat theatre inside the Pack Place complex, with convenient off-street parking and numerous restaurants within a block of the theatre. The theatre offers live performances of music, theatre and dance throughout the year by nationally touring artists as well as a wide array of performances by professional and regional arts groups. Pack Place also houses the Colburn Earth Science Museum.

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville Civic Center- The Asheville Civic Center is a 7,654-seat multi-purpose arena in downtown Asheville. As part of the Asheville Civic Center, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium provides Asheville and the surrounding western North Carolina area a convenient and elegant venue for great local and national concerts and shows, everything from Broadway shows to Asheville Symphony Orchestra concerts.